Frank Daly (86) died on Thursday, February 5, when a double-decker bus struck pedestrians at the top of North Earl Street.
His funeral mass was held at St Joseph’s Church in his native East Wall, where he was a popular and well-liked figure.
Mr Daly is survived by his brother Dermot, sisters Elizabeth and Patricia, nephews, nieces and a number of good friends.
The mass was attended by Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and the Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam, as well as independent Dublin City Councillor and former Lord Mayor Christy Burke.
A eulogy was read on the family’s behalf by parish priest Fr John Ennis.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald at the funeral of Frank Daly at St Joseph’s Church in East Wall. Photo: Colin Keegan/Collins
“Frank, also known as Francis to some of the family members, was a lifelong bachelor and the third youngest among 15 siblings,” it said.
“He was born in 1940 in East Wall in the very house where he spent his entire life. At 17, he began working at The Irish Times in 1957, and stayed there until he retired at 65.
“Despite living alone, Frank was never lonely. He enjoyed close relationships with his family and was surrounded by caring neighbours in East Wall, who looked out for him, especially as he grew older.
“Even younger locals greeted him with a friendly ‘Alright Frank?’, to which he responded with a wave, in his own way.”
The family said Mr Daly retained his “gentle, loving and caring” nature despite the death of his father Thomas at a young age.
He “cared deeply” for his mother Elizabeth in the years that followed, and lived to see many of his siblings die before him.
Frank Daly’s remains being brought into St Joseph’s Church in East Wall. Photo: Colin Keegan/Collins
Mourners were told of Mr Daly’s love for travelling to the US, where he would visit his sisters Alice and Trudy for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
“In recent times, he expressed his desire to return but concerns about his age and travel insurance caused him to hold back,” the funeral was told.
“He frequently visited his brother John in Finglas, who passed away not long ago, enjoying time with his nephew Pat and Susan over meals.
“Pat often stopped by Frank’s house, helping him with anything he needed, including coal briquettes.
“Frank shared a close bond with his brother Dermot and Dermot’s sons Brian and Ian, who dropped by for chats and tea. They often met in town for a cuppa in Anne’s Cafe.”
Frank showed us that kindness costs nothing, but can proudly affect others
A 10-minute walk with Mr Daly “could easily stretch into 30 minutes”, the family said, as he would pause for a chat with everybody he knew between the Spire and Anne’s Cafe on North Earl Street.
Floral tributes at the funeral of Frank Daly from East Wall, Dublin, who died last week when he was struck by a Bus Éireann bus on North Earl Street. Photo: Colin Keegan/Collins
The family expressed their thanks to the members of the Dublin Fire Brigade, ambulance crews and gardaí who were at the scene on the “upsetting and tragic” day of Mr Daly’s death, and for the “heartfelt tributes” to him across social media, newspapers and on RIP.ie.
“Frank showed us that kindness costs nothing, but can proudly affect others. He leaves behind a legacy of love and peace, and a reminder to be understanding and gracious,” they said.
“Frank Daly, a true gentleman, you will be missed.”